X-ray - skeleton

Definition

A skeletal x-ray is an imaging test used to look at the bones. It is used to detect fractures, tumors, or conditions that cause wearing away (degeneration) of the bone.

Alternative Names

Skeletal survey

How the Test is Performed

The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist.

You will lie on a table or stand in front of the x-ray machine, depending on the bone that is injured. You may be asked to change position so that different x-ray views can be taken.

The x-ray particles pass through the body. A computer or special film records the images.

Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles. These areas will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black. Muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.

How to Prepare for the Test

Tell the provider if you are pregnant. You must remove all jewelry before the x-ray.

How the Test will Feel

The x-rays are painless. Changing positions and moving the injured area for different x-ray views may be uncomfortable. If the whole skeleton is being imaged, the test most often takes 1 hour or more.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is used to look for:

Fractures or broken bone

Cancer that has spread to other areas of the body

Osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone caused by an infection)

Bone damage due to trauma (such as an auto accident) or degenerative conditions

Abnormalities in the soft tissue around the bone

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal findings include:

Fractures

Bone tumors

Degenerative bone conditions

Osteomyelitis

Risks

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays machines are set to provide the smallest amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Children and the fetuses of pregnant women are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. A protective shield may be worn over areas not being scanned.

Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Health. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.

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